Questions about Cokin P and split ND filters

[slitherjef]

I am looking into getting some split or graduated ND filters and the Cokin P system. Something to get me started. I know I need a filter holder, adapter ring to hold the filter holder to the lens and the filter it self.

Now I got a couple questions...
1) Is the Cokin P system any good?
2) My biggest lens right now is only 67mm but I do wish to upgrade lenses and a couple are going to be the 77mm so I was thinking I should just go with the 77mm adapter ring and then a 67mm-77mm step ring?

I am thinking this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/459623-REG/Cokin_CBP40077__P_Series_Filter.html

Or instead of a step ring (another thing to loose) get a 67mm adapter ring.

3) I also would use my smaller lenses that have 58mm threads too, can step rings be used with this system?

4) would:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/238968-REG/Cokin_CP121S_P121S_Graduated_G2_Soft.html
be a good split to start with? I often find my self photographing clouds and that often leaves everything else dark
Or would the 121 work. Or they are cheap enough I could probably toss in another, maybe a 2 stop as well.

Any advice or samples you can give me with the cokin P would be a great help.

I also see that there are other companies that will make a filter that will fit in the P holder. So if the plastic Cokins don't do it for me, or leave me wanting more, I can get the more expensive filters.

[slitherjef]

I looked into things a bit more and looks like the actual cokin filters are not so good, so I think this filter may be better:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/166994-REG/Singh_Ray_GND3SCP_84mm_Graduated_Neutral_Density.h tml

[ccookdo]

I went on Ebay and bought the third party cokin P holder, attachment ring and a graduated filter all for around $22. This gives me a chance to play with the equipment and see how I like it. I can always buy a better set up later if I like using the cokin P system. I also "snagged" a B+W graduated filter on ebay that I have yet to try out.

[Hoesi]

I'm thinking of going for a Cokin P holder myself, but I am a bit unsure on which filter brand I should go for. From what I gather the Cokin filters are not great, and I've heard the Hitech ones are a good alternative.

Some do however say there's some issues with some of the Hitech ND's coloring things slightly pink? Are there any in particular I should avoid, or good alternative brands?

I'm not looking to pay a fortune for each filter because I suspect this is too bulky and inconvenient to be used very frequently. I'd like quality good enough to not ruin the shot when I do need them, but I don't think I need to pay $200/filter for some super-fancy brand to achieve this.

Thoughts/suggestions?

On a side-note: I grabbed a Hoya Super HMC CPL (77mm), a couple of backup Hoya Super HMC UV(0) (77mm and 58mm) + a Hoya Star 8 special effects filter (just for playing around with) at ebay today - all new items. Paid less for all of them together than what the CPL alone costs here. Free P&P too. Seller with nearly 30k sales and 100% positive feedback. Awesome! :D

[CameraBuff]

I am also looking into a GND set up, here is a good link http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=224448

[Samgoit]

Hitech is generally well regarded around here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/111017-REG/Hitech_HT141285_85mm_Graduated_ND_0_9.html#feature s

[CameraBuff]

Here is one on the lee system http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=277329&highlight=use+gnd+AS+nd+FILTER

[Hoesi]

Thank you CameraBuff, that GND sample thread is very helpful. :)

Can't believe I missed it in my search earlier. :rolleyes:

Eh well..

[luigis]

If you want to save some money get the Filter holder and adapter rings from ebay, they are very cheap and functional. Then use the saved money to get good filters like Hitech.

Luigi

[dkspook]

If you want to save some money get the Filter holder and adapter rings from ebay, they are very cheap and functional. Then use the saved money to get good filters like Hitech.

Luigi

+1, thats what I did.

Hitech filters are actually sold directly from the manufacturer, Formatt filters, in the UK: http://www.formatt.co.uk/stills-filters/products.aspx - They even do special orders :)

For the Cokin P-series you'll want the 85mm filters.

FWIW, here's a stiched pano using the HiTech 0.6 GND

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/2472748217_6532c86e57_b.jpg

Graduated filters rock. Flaring curtesy of my (now sold) 16-35L Mk I.